Palestinian church leader shares first-hand accounts of life in Palestine with Leeds locals.

A public meeting in Leeds heard from leader that children as young as 9 wrote prayers and wills in anticipation for their death, the shocking reality of living in Palestine was told to Leeds locals.

On the 19th October, Leeds Minster, welcomed the public to a Palestinian event organised by Christian charity Sabeel Kairos UK for a talk with Rev Ashraf Tannous, a Palestinian Church leader. Rev Tannous is a highly respected Palestinian figure and Lutheran pastor who calls for peace and justice globally. Leeds was chosen among other locations such as London, Ireland and Egypt for Rev Tannous to express his freedom of speech and share his lived experiences.

Canon Paul Maybury, Rector of Leeds City Parish, said: "We were honoured to welcome the Revd Ashraf Tannous to speak to us about the present situation in the holy land. His words spoke of the devastating effect of the current Israeli government's policies and action which bring hardship to all sections of the Palestinian community wherever they live. His words were filled with resilience and hope, and he asked for our prayers amid the present injustice."

Ruth Thomas, event organiser, stated that 85 people attended the meal and talk, where Rev Tannous brought to light his own personal experiences of being raised as a Palestinian Arab in Ramallah. Providing a first-hand perspective of the conflict and restrictions placed on all Palestinians.

The talk focused on the harsh restrictions Palestinians live under. One of the most unsettling segments included the reading of prayers and wills written by Palestinian children, aged 9 to 14, who have tragically been killed in recent years. As the readings concluded, a heavy silence settled over the room. Unlike the chatter that filled the space at the beginning, people quietly gathered their belongings, hearts heavy with sorrow, eyes filled with tears.

Earlier that Sunday morning, Israel violated the ceasefire agreements made on October 10th, Israel's military said to have hit multiple targets in the Gaza Strip, after it accused Hamas of shooting at Israeli soldiers. A recorded 26 people were killed according to the Israeli government. Rev Tannous touched on the events from the morning, calling for peace.

Rev Tannous stated: “You can’t recognise the state of Palestine and send weapons to Israel… not call for the end of genocide… and not hold Israel accountable”. He was very clear that despite the ceasefire agreement, Palestinians were treated inhumanly and called out the UK government and media for being complicit.

Despite being an influential figure in his community, Rev Tannous recounted the repeated humiliation he encountered at border crossings. He drew on his experience of permit struggles to be with his wife, for whom he sacrificed everything to live in Jerusalem with. He highlighted the strict enforcements of a religious permit which prohibited him from staying overnight in the area. When he eventually secured a family permit, he revealed that he was subjected to blackmail by the Israeli Defence Forces, which effectively silenced his voice on social media, restricting his freedom.

A local activist commented, “I’m aware of the horrors of being Palestinian in Gaza but what struck me this afternoon was the injustice faced by Palestinians who live elsewhere, in area not controlled by Hamas.”

Regardless of the emotional depths of the talk, Rev Tannous remained extremely proud and positive. The Reverend exemplified the authenticity and individuality of Palestine in its unique culture, and working businesses, transportation and hospitals.

If this article interested you, feel free to get involved with Sabeel Kairos UK  HERE.